BEYOND LOCKDOWN: DISCOVERING QUEENSTOWN'S MOUNTAINS IN A TRAVEL JACKET

I’ve been lucky enough to call Queenstown, New Zealand, my home for the last five and a half years.

As an avid hiker and aspiring amateur landscape photographer, Central Otago provides an endless bounty of amazing walks and vistas to explore and capture. And that’s something I do regularly.

The seasons provide a changing landscape and big variations in weather conditions throughout the year.  It’s part of what makes these walks so good.

The trick has been making sure I’ve got the right clothing and equipment.

Last week, I acquired one of the Edmund Hillary Minaret lightweight travel jackets. The Minaret Track happens to be a lakeside walk in Wanaka just over the hill.

I’m typically out anywhere from an hour to four hours. I’m relatively active and prefer to travel as light as possible whilst still being prepared. Space in my backpack is of a premium as is being able to move freely, sometimes at pace, and with my hands free.

I needed a lightweight jacket that could pack down small and also take a light or quick downpour. And something that felt comfortable to wear whilst walking or jogging.

This jacket fit the brief.

It’s super soft compared to a lot of rain resistant shells. It packs down into a handy small pocket sewn into the jacket, which serves as extra storage when wearing it too.

It’s a slimmer fit, which is great for active pursuits and its breathable for when I get a sweat up. I can layer it up or down. And being a recycled fabric, that sits well with me too.

It lives in my backpack when the weather is a bit iffy and it often gets the call up if I’m out for a jog or I want some wind protection and a light layer to knock the chill back.

And for a weekend away or a quick wet commute across town.

I went for the blue which looks great with the contrast zip and its now part of my kit when travelling or out on a trail. Along with the Scroggin of course!

Written by Chad Robinson

Landscape photography by Chad Robinson